Butterflies and Moths together make up the Insect group (Order) Lepidoptera
Lepidoptera comes from the Greek words meaning scaly wings. There are over 140,000 species of Lepidoptera so far known in the world living in a wide range of habitats. Of these, approximately 20,000 are Butterflies, the remainder, the huge majority, are classed as Moths.
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The scales on their wings give Butterflies and Moths their magnificent and fascinating colours.
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These images of butterfly scales are taken with a scanning electron microscope. The scales are the 'dust' that comes off a butterfly or moth's wings if it is handled roughly.
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The coiled proboscis through which they feed is another characteristic which links Butterflies and Moths and separates them from other insect groups.This image is an electron micrograph of the head of a butterfly showing the eyes and the coiled proboscis.
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| This Convolvulus Hawk-moth is using its proboscis to drink nectar while it hovers beside the flower. This impressive moth has a proboscis 15 cms (6 ins) long! |  |
For more information and images of butterflies and moths scales, visit the following website